Gray’s decision is significant in that the 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end is Edsall’s first commit from a Midwestern state. No player on the current roster, including the incoming 19-member 2013 recruiting class, hails from the Midwest.

With Maryland bolting the Atlantic Coast Conference for the Big Ten in 2014, Gray’s commitment could be a sign of progress in heartland recruiting efforts for Edsall.

According to the News-Herald, Gray caught 12 passes for less than 200 yards in 12 games last season. Gray’s coach at Chardon High, Mitch Hewitt, told the newspaper that Gray’s blocking prowess garnered him the attention of college coaches.

"Why he's successful is because he's nasty and loves to compete." Hewitt told the News-Herald, adding that the Chardon offense will afford more passing opportunities in Gray's senior year. "As dominating as he was last season, he was slow and weak in my book. He is figuring out now that the sky is the limit for him. I don't know if he's even shaved yet. But the sky's the limit.”